Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, is pursuing a plan to sell a 20 percent stake in a newly created entity, FIFA Forward Enterprise, to private equity investors for $4.2 billion (£3.16 billion). The entity would hold FIFA's commercial rights, including broadcasting, ticketing and licensing.
Kushner Connection
The investment group leading the bid is fronted by Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, Donald Trump's son-in-law. The move comes shortly after the 2026 World Cup, where Infantino reportedly sought to maintain good relations with President Trump, including overturning a red card shown to USA striker Folarin Balogun after Trump personally complained to Infantino.
FA Response
The Football Association has issued a statement expressing "deep concern" over the plan. However, the article criticizes this response as weak, noting that the FA has historically taken timid stances on governance issues.
Pressure on National Associations
Infantino is reportedly offering each national association £30 million in grassroots funding, with a deadline of September 19 to approve the deal or risk losing the funding. Critics liken this to mob-style governance.
Call for Boycott
The article, an opinion piece from the Mirror, calls for England and other European nations to boycott the 2027 Women's World Cup if the plan proceeds, arguing that such a boycott would collapse the commercial value and force Infantino to abandon the scheme. It draws a parallel to the 2021 European Super League collapse, which was thwarted by fan protests.
